Gulf Hills history reflects an era lost in time (Sampling History)

In the summer of 1956, Elvis Presley shook hands with Gulf Hills assistant manager Cecil "Ces" Spearman. Presley was one of many celebrities who stayed at Gulf Hills. (Photo submitted by Gulf Coast Album)

The second and third entries in the Jackson County section of Charles Sullivan's new book, "Gulf Coast Album: A Journey in Historic Photographs 1899-2011 From New Orleans Across the Mississippi Gulf Coast to Mobile" feature Gulf Hills Country Club and Gulf Hills Dude Ranch in Ocean Springs.

"In 1927, the Branigar brothers, from Chicago, Ill., developed Gulf Hills on Fort Bayou. It was to be a resort like no other in its era," the story goes. "This was accomplished with an absolutely beautiful golf course, clubhouse and 13 upscale homes."

According to the website, the original 13 homes were built with no kitchens and no laundry facilities. Residents of this exclusive community took all meals at the clubhouse, and even their laundry was picked up and returned clean and folded by clubhouse employees.

Sullivan writes that in 1950 when Dick and Gladys Waters were owner/operators, these four- to eight-room villas sprawled down a hillside to the banks of Fort Bayou where the installation's private pier was located. They contained a total of 66 private rooms, each with its own bath and private entrance, plus telephone and full hotel service.

Distinguished guest B.J. Grigsby, who was the manufacturer of the Majestic Radio, and his entourage are greeted on their arrival by seaplane at Gulf Hills circa 1929 by H.W. Branigar of Chicago, president of the Gulf Hills Country Club. From left are, Hubert Griggs, an unnamed mechanic, Grigsby, George E. Mueller, Branigar, Oscar Spielman, Richard Richsteig, O.H. Olson, Stewart Bell and J.G. Little. (Photo submitted by Gulf Coast Album)

The website said Jack Daray designed the 18-hole course, carving it through forests and streams. Golf Digest once listed the 17th hole as "one of the top five most beautiful and challenging in the entire Southeastern Region."

Legend has it, among locals, that the resort was developed especially for the seclusion and entertainment of Chicago crime figure Al Capone. In fact, remnants of a "Speak Easy" and Gambling Casino still remain.

In the clubhouse was a fabulous lounge called The Pink Pony. Photos were made showing many movie stars, gangsters and members of the "upper crust" enjoying drinks, dancing and entertainment.

Elvis Presley frequented The Pink Pony, and residents recalled how he loved to play the piano and just relax in what was described as a comfortable and secure atmosphere.

During this era, the course was so popular that tee times were actually auctioned off to the highest bidder the night before.

In the 1950s and 1960s, Gulf Hills was not only a first-rate golf course, but a dude ranch as well. It became very popular for horseback riding, hay rides, square dancing and swimming.

Gulf Hills Dude Ranch foreman Bob Carter rides Rex, said to be the "smartest horse in Dixie," in this 1951 photo. Carter operated the ranch and stables associated with the Gulf Hills Hotel and Golf Course. (Photo submitted by Gulf Coast Album)

Sullivan quotes an entry from "Mississippi Magic: The Balance Agriculture With Industry (BAWI) Bulletin" in his book: "Mississippi's first dude ranch is being opened at Gulf Hills on the state's resort-minded Gulf Coast, near Ocean Springs. Bob Carter of Pensacola, Florida, will operate the ranch and stable of 20 riding horses in conjunction with the Gulf Hills Hotel and Golf Course."

Another excerpt and comment from Sullivan on the June 18, 1950, edition of the Times-Picayune tells more: "The Gulf Hills Dude Ranch is described as 'a horse-hayride-square dance resort.' A half dozen cowhands had been imported from West Texas to provide riding instruction and to supervise group outings. Activities on the 700-acre ranch included moonlight rides, campfire singing, breakfast rides and picnic lunches."

From the early 1950s to the mid-1970s, a visit by the contestants of the Miss Hospitality Contest (usually held at the Buena Vista Hotel) to the Gulf Hills Dude Ranch became a tradition.

Sullivan's research noted that Dick and Gladys Waters sold out to Ike LaRue and others in 1962. In 1974, a comprehensive write-up in Deep South magazine mentioned trail rides and cookouts, but the club was no longer described as a "dude ranch."

The website sums it up: "Throughout the past 72 years, Gulf Hills has been bought and sold many times. It seems everyone wanted to own a piece of history. In July of 1998, the residents purchased Gulf Hills and have restored it. ..."

Although the dude ranch is now just a memory, the resident-owned golf course remains. The 18-hole, par 71, 6,266-yard course is enhanced by a new clubhouse, a pro shop, premier putting surface, chipping green, snack bar, dining area, and club and cart rental.

Anyone who would like to share historical records, photos and/or documents may contact this columnist by email at joandy42@cableone.net or Sherry Owens and Renee Hague with Pascagoula Public Library at 228-769-3078. Photos and original documents will be digitized and returned to owner.